Idaho Laws

This page summarizes ten Idaho laws people ask about most, with a link to the full guide for each. Every guide cites the state statute or an official source. Laws change, so check the current statute or talk to a local attorney before you act.

Idaho Personal Injury Statute of Limitations

In Idaho, you generally have 2 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (Idaho Code § 5-219). If you miss the deadline, the court will usually dismiss the case. Different deadlines can apply to medical malpractice, wrongful death and claims against government agencies.

Read the full personal injury statute of limitations guide →

Idaho Comparative Negligence Laws

Idaho follows modified comparative negligence (50% bar). You can recover only if your share of fault is less than 50%. At 50% or more you recover nothing, and below that your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Read the full comparative negligence laws guide →

Idaho Minimum Wage in 2026

The minimum wage in Idaho is $7.25 per hour, the same as the federal minimum. It applies to most employees, with exemptions for some types of jobs. Overtime at time and a half generally applies after 40 hours in a workweek.

Read the full minimum wage guide →

Idaho Final Paycheck Laws

In Idaho, an employer must pay final wages to a fired employee: next regular payday or within 10 days (excluding weekends and holidays), whichever is sooner; within 48 hours if the employee makes a written request. The same deadline applies if you quit. If wages are late or missing, you can file a wage claim with the state labor department or go to court.

Read the full final paycheck laws guide →

Idaho Small Claims Court Limits

In Idaho, you can sue for up to $15,000 in small claims court, which is handled by the magistrate division (small claims department). The limit was raised to $15,000 on July 1, 2026. Small claims cases are faster and cheaper than regular lawsuits, and most people represent themselves. If your claim is larger, you must file in a higher court or give up the excess.

Read the full small claims court limits guide →

Idaho Security Deposit Laws

Idaho security deposit limit: no statutory limit. The landlord must return the deposit, minus lawful deductions, within this deadline: 21 days, or up to 30 days if the lease allows. Landlords cannot deduct for normal wear and tear, and tenants can usually sue in small claims court if a deposit is wrongly withheld.

Read the full security deposit laws guide →

Idaho Eviction Notice Requirements

If rent is unpaid in Idaho, the landlord must generally give a written notice before filing an eviction case: 3 days to pay or move. Only a court can order an eviction; a landlord cannot change the locks, remove belongings or shut off utilities to force a tenant out.

Read the full eviction notice requirements guide →

Idaho Small Estate Affidavit

Idaho small estate limit: $100,000. Waiting period after death: 30 days. Real estate cannot be transferred this way. A small estate process lets heirs collect property without a full probate case. The heir signs a sworn affidavit and presents it, with a death certificate, to whoever holds the property.

Read the full small estate affidavit guide →

Does Idaho Recognize Common Law Marriage?

No, not for new relationships. Idaho abolished common law marriage as of January 1, 1996. Marriages formed before that date remain valid. Most states generally recognize a marriage that was valid where it was formed, so a common law marriage created in a state that allows it may still be recognized.

Read the full common law marriage guide →

Idaho Divorce Residency Requirements

To file for divorce in Idaho: 6 full weeks of residence before filing. Waiting period: 21 days after filing and service. If you do not meet the residency rule yet, you may need to wait or file in the state where your spouse lives.

Read the full divorce residency requirements guide →

This page summarizes state law for general information and is not legal advice. Laws change and courts interpret them; check the current statute or official source, or talk to a licensed attorney in your state about your situation.

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